How University of Hull and Pagabo are promoting economic growth in the Humber

The University of Hull’s partnership with influential procurement business Pagabo is providing prestigious learning and career opportunities to students.

Currently headquartered in Hull’s Bowlalley Lane, five of Pagabo’s twelve strong team are University of Hull alumni.

In addition to providing yearly placement opportunities to undergraduates, Pagabo is also currently providing funding for staff to carry out further educational qualifications at the University, including Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) qualifications.

Ben Mackay, Marketing Assistant, is currently in the final few months of his placement year to support his Business Management degree.

He said: “From my first interview with Simon and the team I could see that the company has a small, close-knit team which would give the opportunity to play an important role within the business – and I’ve been able to do just that.

“The things I’ve learned from my responsibilities and successes over the last year have given me invaluable skills to take forward and use as practical examples during my final year of studies.”

Pagabo’s ambition is to make the procurement process quicker, easier and more effective.

It supports public sector organisations across the UK by providing EU compliant framework agreements, a DPS, and bespoke consultancy - delivered and backed up by a team of MCIPS-qualified procurement professionals with a huge range of experience.

Will Hill, Ecosystem coordinator at Pagabo, undertook an internship in the summer of 2019 while studying at the University of Hull, and joined the team full time after impressing during his short stint.

He said: “I sat within the marketing team when I first joined Pagabo and instantly felt like I had an important role to play.

“The responsibility given to me from the get-go was absolutely invaluable and gave me the confidence to take many of my own project ideas and see them through from start to finish.

“My time at the University of Hull taught me a great deal - not just academically, but many other life lessons to take into my career.

“I was able to grasp the importance of attention to detail and teamwork, as well as how to translate feedback into effective actions. Understanding these skills really stands you in good stead when making that first step into the world of work.

“I believe that springboard led me to Pagabo where I continue to grow as a person each day.”

John Harrison, Head of Careers at the University of Hull, said: “The University over the years has forged strong connections with many of the Humber region’s most established businesses – a perfect example of this is our collaboration with Pagabo.

“We are immensely proud to work with Pagabo, giving our students the opportunity to gain invaluable insight into the world of work whilst developing their own skills.

“Pagabo is recognised as a leading player in its industry, and we are also proud that five of its current staff came through our University. Keeping talent in the Humber region is of vital importance to support economic growth and prosperity.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Pagabo, creating opportunities for both our students and the business alike.”

Simon Toplass, Chief Executive at Pagabo, said: “The University of Hull has offered so many members of our team a fantastic start in their professional lives. As a business, we want to do all we can to support our local university and its students in receiving the fullest and most beneficial educational experience possible.

“As with all businesses across the sector, we rely on collaborative thinking and developing a forward-thinking approach to the way we work. Engaging and encouraging the workforce of tomorrow is something that every company should be looking to do, and we are proud to be doing our part throughout Hull and the surrounding areas.

“Providing a place to undertake a placement is an ideal way of supplementing student development and in the long term serve to keep the talent fostered at the university in the local area for the benefit of the local business community.”